And to do so, the Meteors are turning to their linemen for support and strength.

It wasn't all that long ago that Montrose played the most basic brand of football. It was a program that prided itself on running the ball straight ahead on almost every play and physically controlling the line of scrimmage.

It was a power struggle for 48 minutes.

More often than not, they won those battles. Having Chris Snee, the greatest linemen in the Lackawanna Football Conference's history, didn't hurt.

But as the game evolved, the Meteors began losing those battles in the trenches more regularly.

After winning a couple of games at the end of the year, Montrose learned the importance of being strong up front.

This year's team will have three returning starters on offense and one on defense.

Brenton Warner (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) was an honorable mention LFC Division III all-star at guard last season. He will be joined on the offensive line by tackle Matt Legg (5-10, 220) and two-way starting tackle Brett Shelp (6-3, 250).

Montrose will be breaking in a new signal caller. Juniors Michael Vaness, Patrick Parks and Brandon Swift are all challenging for the starting spot.

BACKS

Trevor Tompkins is a powerful 205-pound inside runner. He is the only player back with any varsity experience, having run for 317 yards last season. He had 66 yards on 16 carries in the team's season-ending win over Northwest. Robert Purdy and Billy Hewes are also expected to contribute carries.

RECEIVERS

Montrose does not have experience, but Mike Stewart and Steven Shelp along with the quarterbacks will be in the rotation. Jack Fruehan can also play tight end and at 6-4, 200 is a solid blocker. Corey Groschal and Kenny Rose will also be a tight end.

LINEBACKERS

The brother combination of Brenton and Bryce Warner are going to be the leaders of the defense. Tompkins and sophomore Conner Kajola also will play inside. William Purdy, Billy Hewes, Jake Hayes and David Maxey will be the outside linebackers.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Montrose has depth in the secondary. Vaness, Stewart, Shelp, Anthony Cina, Purdy, McCade Calloway and Justin Loomis are penciled in at corner. Tompkins, Adam Curry, Patrick Parks and Austin Cook will be the safeties.

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